Houseplants are a great way to bring color and life into your home. However, not all of us have a green thumb or the time to devote to caring for difficult or picky plants. Luckily, there are plenty of low-maintenance options that are perfect for beginners or people with busy schedules!

Read on to learn more about how you can brighten your space with five of the easiest houseplants to care for.

Snake Plant

Snake plants are great houseplants for beginners as they are known for being especially hardy and easy to care for. They feature stiff green leaves that are often striped and bordered in yellow. With their ability to grow to be between six inches to eight feet tall, they are versatile plants that can fill any space in your home—big or small.

Care

Snake plants are not picky when it comes to sunlight. While they prefer steady indirect light, they can adapt to survive in both darker or brighter locations in your home. They grow best in sandy or well-drained soil.

These plants are drought-resistant, meaning they can go longer periods of time without water. In fact, they can go up to two months between waterings in the winter months and two weeks in the summer months. You should only water these plants when the soil is dry to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.

Cactus

The cactus is an obvious choice for many thanks to its low-maintenance reputation. There are many different types of cacti—each with its own appearance and quirks. While some like the rickrack cactus stay green, others—such as the Christmas cactus—bloom flowers at various times throughout the year. Regardless of which cactus you choose, it will be a beautiful and easily-managed addition to your living space.

Care

While there are many types of cacti, they are all cared for in much the same way. These houseplants are used to a desert environment and as such do not require regular watering. You should occasionally water your cactus just so that the top layer of soil is wet.

As a desert plant, cacti prefer as much direct sunlight as possible. Place them in bright and sunny rooms or next to a window. They grow best in sandy and coarse soils.

Peace Lily

Peace lilies aren’t actually lilies. They get their name from their long-lasting white or off-white blooms that resemble calla lilies. These flowers, backed by striking green leaves, create a beautiful appearance perfect for any living area. Peace lilies are also known for their air-purifying qualities—making them an excellent choice for anyone wanting to improve the air quality in their home.

Care

One reason peace lilies are easy to maintain is the fact that they will tell you when they need water! When peace lilies are thirsty, they will begin to droop or develop brown tips on their leaves. Peace lilies can go long periods of time without water, but it is important to keep an eye out for signs that your plant might need another watering. You should water this plant whenever the soil is dry to the touch.

Speaking of soil, peace lilies prefer soils that have good drainage. If the soil retains too much moisture, your plant has the potential to suffer from root rot. That being said, do not completely dry out the soil. Give your peace lilies indirect sunlight as direct sunlight can prove to be too much and dry out the soil.

String of Pearls

The string of pearls is the perfect plant for anyone looking for a unique appearance! Just as the name suggests, this plant is a succulent that features pea-sized bulbs resembling pearls. Thanks to its vine-like structure, the string of pearls plant spills over the sides of its planter—making it perfect for decorating shelves or putting in hanging planters.

Care

This plant is not typically picky about its conditions. As the string of pearls is susceptible to root rot, you should use coarse or well-draining soil and be sure to not overwater your plant. String of pearls needs to be watered about once a week or once every two weeks depending on the season. In the spring and summer, the soil should be lightly moist. However, you can cut back on watering during the winter months.

The string of pearls plant thrives best in a mix of direct and indirect light. It’s recommended that you start your plant in the direct morning sunlight and then move it to indirect light for the rest of the day.

Monstera

The monstera has become very popular in the interior design world. This evergreen tropical vine can grow up to three feet tall and prefers to grow up rather than out. With its large and characteristically split heart-shaped leaves, it will easily become a beautiful focal point in your living space.

Care

Monstera houseplants thrive in indirect sunlight. While some variations can withstand it, direct sunlight can be too much and can lead to the plant’s large leaves burning and/or wilting. Monsteras prefer a well-draining and moderately moist potting soil to prevent root rot.

While your soil should be moist, it shouldn’t be soggy. In the spring and summer, it is recommended to water this plant about once a week or once every other week. In the fall and winter, however, only water your monstera occasionally.

Whether your thumb is brown or green, these five plants can help you enjoy a little piece of nature in your daily life! Still need help deciding which plants best fit your lifestyle? Contact your local florist today!

At Clark’s Garden and Floral Boutique, we know the joy and comfort that flowers bring. Because of this, we’re focused on helping people create memories, celebrate and connect with each other, and add beauty to any space. Visit us on Facebook and Instagram.